Phased Antenna Array Electro-Optic Readout Circuit Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased array antennas face challenges at high frequencies due to small antenna element size and increased computational requirements for digital beam forming, leading to complex and costly manufacturing, limited bandwidth, and constrained packaging size.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electro-optic (EO) readout circuit that converts electrical signals from antenna elements to the optical domain for more efficient processing, using wavelength division multiplexers, EO modulators, optical-to-electrical converters, and time delay modules to facilitate beam forming and signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If digital beam forming is used at high frequencies, then signal processing capability is improved, but computational requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces digital signal processing with optical signal processing. Optical beam forming is performed using passive optical components (waveguides, couplers, splitters) instead of active digital processors, thereby eliminating the computational burden while maintaining signal processing capability at high frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary layer between the antenna elements and the digital processor. Electrical signals from antenna elements are converted to optical signals, processed optically through the passive optical network, and then converted back to electrical signals, thereby offloading the beam forming computational requirements from the digital processor
2Speed
If antenna element size is reduced for high frequency operation, then frequency capability is improved, but packaging constraints and manufacturing complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical interconnections with optical interconnections. Optical signals can be routed through waveguides and optical networks without the same packaging constraints as electrical traces, allowing for more flexible and less constrained packaging of high-frequency antenna elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional electrical circuit board routing to three-dimensional optical waveguide routing. Optical signals can be routed through multiple layers and dimensions using waveguides, providing more routing options and reducing packaging constraints for high-frequency antenna elements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient beam forming and processing at high frequencies, providing greater bandwidth, flexibility, and reduced computational demands on digital processors, while allowing for smaller and more cost-effective antenna element packaging.
Implementation Method 1
a first EO modulator configured to modulate a signal from at least one antenna element based upon the optical carrier signal
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of optical-to-electrical converters coupled downstream from the second WDM
Data Source
AI summary
A phased antenna array includes an array of antenna elements, and an electro-optic (EO) readout circuit coupled to the array of antenna elements. The EO readout circuit includes an optical source having a first wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) configured to generate an optical carrier signal including beam carrier wavelengths, a first EO modulator configured to modulate a signal from an antenna element based upon the optical carrier signal, a second WDM coupled downstream from the first EO modulator, and optical-to-electrical converters coupled downstream from the second WDM. The second WDM is configured to multiplex each modulated beam carrier wavelength to a respective optical-to-electrical converter.